Jiles Whipple, Involuntary Manslaughter, South Dakota 2024

A devastating tragedy struck the Rosebud community in 2022 when a five-year-old child lost their life in a car accident. Jiles Whipple, a 20-year-old man from Rosebud, South Dakota, has been held accountable for his role in the child’s death. Whipple was sentenced to two years and six months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for his conviction of involuntary manslaughter.

The incident occurred on May 28, 2022, when Whipple, who was drinking alcoholic beverages and smoking marijuana, departed his residence in a vehicle with faulty brakes. As he was driving, Whipple ran a stop sign at a three-way intersection and struck a passing pickup truck. The child, who was riding in the bed of the pickup truck, suffered fatal injuries as a result of the wreck.

Whipple was indicted by a federal grand jury in February 2023 and pleaded guilty on March 18, 2024. The conviction stems from the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, which mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian Country be prosecuted in federal court as opposed to state court.

This case was investigated by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson prosecuted the case. Whipple was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

Whipple was further ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund and to pay restitution in the amount of $17,173. Additional restitution may apply. The tragic loss of life in this incident serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible behavior and the consequences of reckless actions.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Dakota, led by U.S. Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell, continues to work tirelessly to ensure that those who commit crimes in Indian Country are held accountable. This case is a testament to the dedication and commitment of law enforcement agencies and prosecutors who work together to bring justice to victims and their families.

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